EU’s Mogherini urges Kosovo ratify Montenegro border deal

PRISTINA / AP

The European Union’s foreign policy chief has urged Kosovo’s opposition to ratify a border demarcation agreement with Montenegro, the last remaining condition before its citizens enjoy visa-free travel with Europe’s Schengen member countries.
Federica Mogherini was in Kosovo, the last stop on her tour of the Western Balkans, where she met senior leaders on Saturday. She commended them for their “constructive stand” in lowering recent tensions with Serbia.
“It’s time to vote for the ratification of the agreement. That would release the visa liberalization for the Kosovo people,” she said at a news conference with Prime Minister Isa Mustafa. She urged opposition political parties to leave aside their political interest “and work together for the reconciliatory path to take the country ahead.”
The country’s opposition has prevented parliament from voting on the Montenegrin deal and another with Serbia that gives more powers to ethnic Serbs in Kosovo. Obstructive tactics in the parliament include using tear gas, blowing whistles and throwing water bottles, while their supporters outside have clashed violently with police.
In the last three months, relations between Kosovo and Serbia have been tense following a series of frictions and incidents.